Need groundcover for clay soil in Sierra Nevadas

hovegator(z9 NorCal)June 26, 2005

We just built a cabin in the Sierras (Arnold, CA). There is absolutely NO landscaping other than the tall pines. The cabin is on a pretty steep slope and i can see that the soil has been running off down the hill due to rain.

What choices do i have for groundcover that will prevent soil erosion and a big mess of muddy red clay!?

I'd look locally...the sierras are generally a wilderness, and the last thing we want is to tell you to put in something that's going to wind up invading...

some runoff is inevitable with new construction, and is kinda normal- they displaced a huge amount of dirt, and some of it shouldn't stay piled up around the house anyway.

but my knowledge of california's all about the flats, and none about the hills... though if you check the 'california gardening' forum, there are long-term residents who can point you in the right direction :)

Hi there I know this is an old post but just thought Id say Hi neighbor. We live in San Andreas. Have lived in the area for 15 years. Check with the nurseries in Arnold or Murphys for native plantings. I didnt see if you were looking for shade or sun.